maxim

If I understand this correctly I think i really enjoy this example... I think back then a person could have literally said anything they wanted and if carefully worded and phrased it would have been acceptable. Paul, to prove his point of Gods power, said it plainly as not to use persuasion or any kind of manipulative technique. Articulations of statements was a science used to sway ideas from the truth but Paul was already speaking the truth.

I think Christ knows what God wishes and had always honored him by role modeling this to everyone. Christ showed how easy and simple these philosophies were. We will always be able to look back and remember what Christ did as a person.

I think non-Christians will always pick and choose what they identify with in the gospel and throw the rest out. Because of this I don't think presentation is the problem. I think a person is introduced to Christ and they will accept him in there own time(along with some help from above ). Fellowship is always important. Bonding and accepting someone into family, home, life, etc... and letting them see through example is probably the most important.

this is a sad subject for me- i'm sorry that things have changed. These are only 4 out of many 1)not honoring your spouse 2)pre-marital sex 3)abortion 4)adultery

I think the gifts I recognize easily are role models in the faith. When i can see a strong person live selflessly. When I notice someone with an easy smile and a caring heart. I am brought back down to earth and i remember who i want to be. That's why i think it's important for us all to be role models to each other. It is easier when we all have good role models.

Hmmm, interesting question, it throws me for a loop. But I think I found the wisdom in it. When I am around people that I am at odds with, great or small, I learn more about myself. Who I am and what i want to be instead. I think the blessing is learning how to be holy to our enemys. Instead of resorting to fear and hostility, the blessing comes from learning to view them as people in need of Gods charity. Learning how to tie our shoes or to fish for ourselves is a life long blessing that is taught to us. I think learning to be holy even to our enemies is a similar blessing and when those situations arise its our chance at being taught that.

I think we are called to be a saint and also to be holy because god wishes that we live through example to one another. What I got is that saintly means to be a believer and to be holy means do as God would. Forgive me for such broad answers, I'm still new but wanting to learn. I think people trend to throwing statements around in haste and that would generally tend to transform the meaning into something else... such as I am no saint- people would say this in haste to forgive themselves for not being perfect or when they make a mistake. I think when we consciously make a decision to follow God we decide to live for him by living for others... I am not sure what the world expects from us as believers. I actually struggle with that question daily even before I encountered this chapter. I think compassion is one of the greatest gifts that all people desire from others. One of my biggest wishes is that I can learn to be forever compassionate to all people but not ask/expect anything in return.